SHREVEPORT, La. (Aug. 30, 2025) — The Grambling State University Tigers opened their 2025 campaign with an emphatic statement, routing Langston University 55-7 on Saturday night at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. Behind a swarming defense and a versatile offensive attack, the Tigers (1-0) left little doubt in their season debut while handing the Lions (0-1) a long evening in the Shreveport Classic.

Defense Sets the Tone

The Tigers’ defense dictated the pace from the opening series. Grambling limited Langston to just six first downs and 97 yards of total offense while forcing three turnovers and racking up five sacks.

The unit’s energy was evident early when Shayne Masonto jarred the ball loose midway through the first quarter, with Isaac Washington recovering at the Grambling 34-yard line. That play ignited the Tigers’ first scoring drive and set the tone for what would become a suffocating night for the Lions’ offense.

Later in the first half, defensive back Tyrell Raby stepped in front of a pass from Langston quarterback Kaid Barrett, returning the interception to the 1-yard line. Grambling cashed in moments later, and the rout was on.

Teasett Shines in Debut

Quarterback C’Zavian Teasett was sharp in his first start for the Tigers. The sophomore showed poise in the pocket and touch on his deep ball, completing 20 of 25 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns. His first scoring strike was a highlight-reel connection with Tyson George, a 55-yard bomb late in the opening quarter that extended Grambling’s lead to 14-0.

Teasett spread the ball around effectively, finding CJ Knighten for a short touchdown before halftime and hitting Barron Miles on a 7-yard strike to cap an 11-play, 75-yard drive to open the second half.

Backup quarterback Ashton Frye added to the fireworks, going 6-of-8 for 44 yards and tossing an 11-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Frazier late in the third quarter.

Ground Game Powers Through

While the passing attack was efficient, the running game punished Langston’s defensive front throughout the night. Grambling piled up 219 rushing yards and had four different backs score touchdowns.

Tre Bradford led the charge with 56 yards on six carries, including a 38-yard touchdown sprint in the second quarter. Andre Crews opened the scoring with a 6-yard run, while Byron Eaton Jr. and Tony Phillips Jr. also found the end zone, with Phillips capping the night’s scoring on an 11-yard rush early in the fourth quarter.

The depth and rotation in the backfield allowed Grambling to keep fresh legs in the game, wearing down Langston’s defense over four quarters.

Big Plays Fuel Tigers

The Tigers didn’t just grind out drives — they capitalized on momentum swings. Each of Grambling’s first-half turnovers forced by the defense quickly turned into touchdowns. The combination of short fields and explosive plays had the Lions on their heels from the start.

By halftime, the Tigers had built a commanding 35-0 lead, scoring on four of their final five possessions of the half. When Frye connected with Frazier in the third quarter to make it 48-0, the Grambling sideline knew the contest was firmly in hand.

Langston finally broke through in the fourth quarter with its lone score of the night, but the touchdown did little to dent an otherwise dominant performance from Grambling’s defense.

Looking Ahead

For Grambling State, the season-opening win was exactly the kind of performance head coach Hue Jackson had envisioned. The Tigers were efficient, opportunistic, and balanced — hallmarks of a team looking to contend in the SWAC this fall.

With Teasett showing command of the offense, Bradford leading a deep rushing attack, and a defense that looks capable of dictating games, Grambling appears poised to build momentum quickly.

The Tigers will aim to carry that form into next week’s matchup as they continue non-conference play before diving into SWAC competition.

Final Score: Grambling State 55, Langston 7